Greek import Zoi Faki knows that the Choco Mucho Flying Titans are capable of turning things around right away as they prepare for their next match in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Greek import Zoi Faki stepped onto the court for her highly anticipated debut with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, facing off against the Cignal HD Spikers in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Despite a valiant effort, Faki and the Flying Titans fell short, losing in straight sets to a formidable HD Spikers squad.
Faki, Choco Mucho's lone double-digit scorer, finished with 13 points to go along with 10 excellent receptions.
The recent addition of Dindin Santiago-Manabat also provided some boost, as she contributed eight points in the loss. However, the Flying Titans keenly felt the absence of key players Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag.
Reflecting on her first game, Faki shared her mixed feelings about her debut game in the league.
“The experience was amazing. It was truly amazing to get out of the tunnel for warmups, and just listening to the Choco Mucho fans is something [else],” Faki told reporters after the match.
“We didn't get the result that we wanted, so I couldn't, like, say it was a good first experience, but we got a lot of lessons from this game today, and we're moving forward,” she added.
Faki also commented on the level of play in the PVL, noting the exceptional defensive skills of the Filipino teams.
“I would say that the level is great. Filipinos have a lot of defense, and I think that it was very clear to me today [that] even if I was taking smart shots, even if I was going with power, Cignal did a great job on getting the ball up, so I would say it's a hard level to play if you're not used to the rallies,” she explained.
Despite the initial setback, Faki remains optimistic about the team's potential as she lauded coach Dante Alinsunurin’s system.
“I think the system is great. We have a totally new lineup like the starters, they're totally new than last season. We're missing a lot of key players that took the team to the championship last conference,” said Faki.
“We need time, that's all I have to say. I think that we're playing great. I think that we have a lot of potential. I think that the passion is there, but we need time. It's a fresh new lineup, and I think we have it inside us, and we keep going,” she added.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Choco Mucho import Zoi Faki relishes playing for coach Dante Alinsunurin in upcoming Reinforced Conference]
Faki and the rest of the Flying Titans will look to bounce back on Tuesday, July 23 as they face the Akari Chargers at 3:00 p.m.